How much does a dietitian and nutritionist cost in the UK?
- Megan Whitehouse
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Whether you’re aiming to manage a medical condition, support your fitness goals, or simply eat better, working with a professional can make a huge difference. But one question often comes first:
How much does it cost to see a dietitian or nutritionist in the UK?
The answer depends on a few key factors -including the type of professional, whether you go private or NHS, and what kind of support you’re looking for. Here's everything you need to know.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?
Before we get into pricing, it’s important to understand who does what.
A dietitian is a legally protected title in the UK. They’re registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and qualified to work with medical conditions like diabetes, IBS, PCOS, and more. Dietitians often work in NHS hospitals and clinics, but many also work privately. At Nutrition and Co. we are a team of registered dietitians.
A nutritionist, on the other hand, is not a protected title. Anyone can technically use it. However, Registered Nutritionists (RNs or RNutrs) are those registered with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and have completed relevant qualifications. They often support general health, weight loss, sports nutrition, or lifestyle improvements - but don’t work in clinical settings.
Summary of the differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist
Dietitian | Nutritionist | |
Legally regulated? | ✔️ Yes (HCPC) | ❌ No (unless AfN-registered) |
Works with medical conditions? | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
Available on NHS? | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
Offers general wellness advice? | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
Title protected by law? | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
NHS vs. Private Costs
NHS Dietitian - Free, but with Wait Times
If referred by your GP, you may be able to see a dietitian on the NHS at no cost. However:
You often need a GP referral
Wait times can be several weeks or even months
Follow-up appointments may be limited
NHS dietetic support is generally reserved for specific medical needs, like coeliac disease, Type 2 diabetes, or malnutrition -not general weight loss or lifestyle advice.
Private Dietitian Costs
If you want faster, more flexible support - or your goals aren’t NHS-eligible - private care may be the best option.
Typical Private Dietitian Fees:
Type of Session | Average Cost (UK) | Session Length |
Initial Consultation | £90 – £150 | 60–90 minutes |
Follow-up Appointment | £60 – £100 | 30–60 minutes |
Online Consultation | Often 10–20% cheaper | Flexible |
Costs vary depending on location, the dietitian’s experience, area of specialisation, and whether the session is online or in-person. Practitioners in London and major cities tend to charge more than those in rural areas.
Optional Packages and Programmes
Many dietitians and nutritionists offer bundled support packages, which can save money compared to booking sessions individually. These are popular for people with long-term goals or complex needs.
Programmes offered at Nutrition and Co :
Weight Loss or Weight Management Plans: £212/month for 3 months
Sports Nutrition Packages specialising in RED-S: 1 hour @ £159.00, Online/Video chat
These packages typically include an initial assessment, regular follow-ups, progress tracking, and support between sessions.
How Much Does a Nutritionist Cost?
Private nutritionists often offer services focused on lifestyle, wellness, and general health. They’re usually a bit more affordable than dietitians.
💬 Typical Private Nutritionist Fees:
Initial Session: £60–£120
Follow-ups: £40–£90
Online consults: Can reduce travel costs and be more flexible
AfN-registered nutritionists may charge more, especially if they have a niche focus like sports performance, hormonal health, or vegan diets.
Insurance and Workplace Cover
Some private medical insurers (like Bupa, Vitality, or AXA Health) offer cover for registered dietitian appointments, especially when linked to a medical condition. Always check your plan and whether you need a referral.
Additionally, some employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or wellness budgets that may include dietetic or nutritional support. It’s worth asking your HR team what's available.
What Affects the Cost?
To summarise, here are the main factors that influence how much you’ll pay:
Factor | Impact on Cost |
Type of professional | Dietitians (clinical) usually cost more than general nutritionists |
Location | London & cities often = higher rates |
Experience & qualifications | Senior or specialist practitioners tend to charge more |
Consultation format | Online is often cheaper than in-person |
Specialisation | Niche areas like fertility or IBS may involve more complex (and costly) plans |
Support style | Packages tend to offer better value than standalone sessions |
Insurance cover | Can significantly reduce or eliminate private costs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?
No referral is needed for private dietitians. You can book directly. For NHS services, a GP referral is usually required.
What qualifications should I look for in a practitioner?
For dietitians: Look for RD (Registered Dietitian) and HCPC registration. All our dietitians at Nutrition and Co are HCPC registered.
For nutritionists: Seek AfN-registered professionals (RNutr or ANutr)
Avoid working with anyone who lacks formal training or professional accreditation.
How can I see a private dietitian in the UK?
You can search directly through:
No GP referral is needed for private appointments.
Why is the NHS waiting list so long for dietitians - and what can I do?
NHS resources are limited, and demand for dietetic support is growing, especially for long-term conditions. This often means long delays, especially for non-urgent cases.
What you can do:
Ask your GP for an alternative referral
Explore private services at Nutrition and Co for quicker access
Check if your health insurance or employer benefits will cover private appointments
Whether you're looking to manage a health condition, improve your diet, or feel more confident in your food choices, working with a qualified professional can make all the difference.
Book an initial appointment with our team of registered dietitians today on WhatsApp +447888465215.
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